King Abdullah: Immediately release journalist Hamza Kashgari

After receiving numerous death threats following statements about the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) he had posted on Twitter, 23-year old journalist Hamza Kashgari left Saudi Arabia for Malaysia on February 6, 2012. Prominent clerics deemed Mr. Kashgari's statements to be insulting towards the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) and called for him to be tried for apostasy, which is punishable by death in Saudi Arabia. Malaysia denied Mr. Kashgari's request for political asylum and deported him back to Saudi Arabia on February 12.

Mr. Kashgari is in custody in Saudi Arabia right now and could face the death penalty if he is charged with apostasy.

Details about the case are available from a wide range of news sources:

By sharing his thoughts about the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) on Twitter, Mr. Kashgari peacefully exercised his right to freedom of expression. We call on King Abdullah to show mercy, release Mr. Kashgari and allow him to leave the Kingdom. We further ask the government of Saudi Arabia to provide adequate protection to Mr. Kashgari while on Saudi Arabian soil.